Carrig Abbey (in ruins) — Carrig Island

Carrig Abbey (in ruins). The remains of this abbey consist of a nave, 15.5m x 6m, and choir, 6.7m x 4.7m internally. They were separated by a square tower (now gone), supported on two semi-circular arches, 4m high and 2m wide. The abbey was constructed from thin flagstones of the neighbouring area and this, according to Cochrane (1913), gives the masonry a peculiar appearance. The remaining walls are just over 1m thick and contain lime-and-sand cement. The E gable of the abbey has now disappeared and the W gable has been incorporated into a field bank. On the N wall evidence of steps leading to the tower and a possible door, now much disfigured, can still be seen. It is believed to have been a monastery of the O'Connor Kerry clan, since it is situated in the centre of an early ecclesiastical enclosure (KE002-008003-). Though there is no documentary evidence, it would appear to have been in use over a long period of time before falling into decay. There is no surface trace of a burial ground attached to the abbey, but, according to O'Donovan (1841), human bones and skulls were dug up by the locals while searching for money. See attached plan and elevation drawings of Carrig Abbey taken from North Kerry Archaeological Survey (Toal 1995, 239). The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 928. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013